A scientist with Environment Canada has been put on administrative leave with pay pending an investigation for creating a politically charged protest song about ousting Conservative Leader Stephen Harper.

Tony Turner, a physical scientist at Environment Canada and longtime singer-songwriter in Ottawa’s folk music scene, wrote the song called ‘Harperman’. Turner was sent home in mid-August, according to his union, over concerns that his song breached Environment Canada’s value and ethics code.

The song touches on the Duffy trial, Harper’s spat with Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin and includes highly political lyrics like “Who muzzles the poor scientist?” and “Won’t buy into climate change until it’s sold on the stock exchange.” Its chorus ends with the blunt line “Harperman, it’s time for you to go.”

Turner has been a public servant for nearly 20 years and was planning to retire in roughly one month. He was working on a project involving migratory birds.

Well, we can see the real value of so-called ‘freedom of speech’ by this.